What is a prototype?

A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:

Proof of Concept

Explorations that test ideas and functionality.

Functional Prototype

Demonstrates the functionality of the final product, but looks different.

Appearance Prototype

Looks like the final product, but is not functional.

Design Prototype

Appearance and function match the final product, but is made with different manufacturing methods.

Production Prototype

Appearance, function, and manufacturing methods match the final product.

Prototype Gallery

These photos and videos provide a detailed look at this project’s development.

About

In 5th grade, Chad's teacher gave him and his fellow classmates a fun project.

With 20 students in the class, the teacher provided each student a stack of 19 sheets of paper with the name of another student at the top of each sheet. The teacher instructed Chad and his fellow classmates to write down something kind or something they liked about the person listed at the top of each sheet. At the end of the period, she collected the papers and thanked the class for their hard work. Nothing else was said until several days later when she delivered each student a cute bound book titled The Rainy Day Book.

Paging through the book, Chad and his friends discovered what each person liked about them. Chad learned that Cheri loved his smile and laugh; Bobby thought he was trustworthy; and his teacher thought he was sweet, intelligent, and a beautiful soul. The teacher told them when they were feeling down, sad, or blue to look through The Rainy Day Book to brighten their day.

This sweet 5th grade project has stuck with Chad for over 30 years. Chad decided to build an app to help each of us brighten our days whenever we are feeling sad or down.

The most exciting feature of this app is the ability to have your own book printed. We partnered with Kite to print The Rainy Day Book when you are ready to touch, feel, and love it.

We need your help to bring this project to life. We cannot fund this project on our own. Your generosity will fund the app development and create a community of people looking to bring compassion into their daily lives.

Some important features of The Rainy Day Book app:

Have the opportunity to send thoughts on why you love/like/care about your friends.

Have the opportunity to receive thoughts on why your friends love/like/care about you.

Upload your favorite pictures and assign the kind thoughts to be displayed with these pictures.

Gift mode - create a Rainy Day Book for a friend or loved one

Journal - with a built in journal, you can put your experiences into words and begin the meaning-making process

Receive pop-up notifications about why your friends think you are special. We are used to getting news alerts and social media updates. Why not get notified why people think we are amazing?

Print your Rainy Day Book and have it shipped anywhere in the world.

The app will be FREE with minimal ads, if any.

Risks and challenges

The biggest challenge is financial backing. Since this idea is not patentable, we cannot raise money the traditional way - investors. Crowdfunding is necessary to bring this project to life.

There is a risk of copycats stealing the idea. Of course, if they are also attempting to bring compassion into the world, we are still growing as a community (though it would be frustrating since stealing isn't very compassionate).

We have partnered with Apptology to develop the app across all three platforms (iOS, Android, Windows). There is the possibility of development delays. We will keep the community of contributors up-to-date on all issues.

We have partnered with Kite to print the books. We will incorporate their API and SDK. They were acquired by Canon, which could enhance the overall service. Their transition could complicate our development and final product.

Additionally, technical bugs could happen, which is why we will launch a beta version one month before release. Contributors at the Empathetic Beta Tester level and above will be part of the beta testing.

As long as the project is fully funded, rewards will be distributed one month before the launch of the finalized app.

Lastly, any challenges that arise will be communicated to the community of contributors. We believe in transparency and honesty. These are necessary components of compassion.

Support

Select this reward

Pledge US$ 5 or more
About US$ 5

Kind Friend

Thank you for your kindness in helping us create an app that will connect friends on a more profound level. After this campaign has been funded, the Rainy Day Book app will be available and you will be the first to know. As our Thank You, you will be listed as a Kind Friend on our acknowledgement page of the app.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 25 or more
About US$ 25

Generous Friend

As a Generous Friend, you will receive a set of Rainy Day Book app stickers and window statics to show the world you are helping to bring Compassion into the lives of your friends and loved ones. You will also be acknowledged as a Generous Friend in the app.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 100 or more
About US$ 100

Spread the Love

Sharing the gift of love with others is the Mission of the Rainy Day Book app. We may have friends who are not very technologically savvy who would appreciate an old fashioned form of communication - a postcard. At this generous level, you will receive a set of postcards designed by us plus everything else already being offered.

One of the great things about the Rainy Day Book app is the ability to have your digital book printed into an actual book. At this level, you will be able to print your book when you are ready.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 500 or more
About US$ 500

Most Kind Friend

Your kindness warms our heart. We are honored and thankful for your generosity. We would like to give you the opportunity to provide your input on new features we add to the Rainy Day Book app. You will be invited to get a behind-the-scenes look at all progress being made. You will be acknowledged as a Most Kind Friend in the app.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 1,000 or more
About US$ 1,000

Most Compassionate Friend

We are humbled. Your belief in this project gives us hope for a compassionate world. Besides everything else, Chad - founder of the Rainy Day Book app - wants to provide you (or a designee) three personal coaching sessions.

You will also be acknowledged as a Most Compassionate Friend in the app.